Senior Holiday Safety: From Decor to Travel

The holiday season is all about family, friends, and festive fun, but it’s also a time to pay extra attention to safety, especially for seniors. 

From decorating the house to traveling for family gatherings, taking a few precautions can help ensure everyone has a joyful and safe holiday season. 

At Always Best Care of Milwaukee, we share practical tips to keep the holidays bright and stress-free.

Decorating with Safety in Mind

Decking the halls is a beloved holiday tradition, but decorations can quickly become safety hazards if not placed thoughtfully. Taking simple precautions can make your home festive and safe for everyone, especially seniors. 

Here are some detailed tips to keep in mind:

• Declutter First: Before bringing out decorations, ensure that high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms are clutter-free. Clear away unnecessary furniture or items obstructing movement, such as magazines, small rugs, or decorative baskets.
• Choose Safe Ornament Placement: If you’re decorating a tree, place fragile or heavy ornaments higher up and out of reach to avoid accidental falls or breakage. Opt for lightweight, shatterproof ornaments that won’t be dangerous if knocked over.
• Secure Extension Cords: Avoid stretching cords across rooms where they can become tripping hazards. Instead, run them along walls or secure them with cord clips or tape to keep them flat and out of the way. If possible, use shorter cords to reduce slack and minimize risk.
• Use Non-Slip Mats Under Rugs: If holiday rugs are part of your decor, ensure they have non-slip backing. This prevents them from sliding on hard floors and reduces the chance of a fall.
• Add Extra Lighting: Adequate lighting is essential for preventing accidents. Make sure spaces are well-lit, whether it’s string lights on the tree or pathway lights outside. For safety, consider adding nightlights or motion-activated lights in key areas like hallways or entryways.
• Avoid Overloading Outlets: Plugging too many items into a single outlet can lead to overheating or electrical hazards. Spread out your decorations across multiple outlets and avoid using extension cords that look worn or damaged.
• Secure Outdoor Decorations: If you’re decorating outside, ensure items like inflatable displays or light-up figures are securely anchored. This prevents them from becoming tripping hazards or getting blown over in windy weather.
• Keep Walkways Clear: Ensure that doorways, staircases, and common pathways remain obstruction-free. Avoid placing decorations where they can block access or make movement more difficult.
• Limit Overhead Decorations: Avoid hanging heavy decorations from ceilings or door frames where they might fall or be bumped into. Stick to lightweight items that are securely fastened.

Preventing Slips and Falls

The holidays bring extra activity, decorations, and gatherings, making slips and falls a real concern. A little planning can make your home safer while keeping it festive. 

Here are some practical steps to prevent slips and falls during the busy holiday season:

• Clear Outdoor Walkways: Before decorating outside or hosting guests, ensure walkways, driveways, and steps are free from ice, snow, and wet leaves. Use salt or sand on icy areas to provide extra grip and reduce the risk of slipping.
• Secure Rugs with Non-Slip Backings: If you’re using holiday rugs or mats, ensure they have non-slip backings to keep them firmly in place. This is especially important in high-traffic areas like entryways or the living room.
• Rearrange Furniture Thoughtfully: If you move furniture to make space for a tree or decorations, ensure pathways remain clear and wide enough for safe movement. Avoid placing furniture in spots where it might block doorways or create obstacles.
• Keep Electrical Cords Out of the Way: Holiday lights and other decor often require extra cords, which can quickly become tripping hazards. Run cords along walls, secure them with tape, or use cord covers to keep them out of walkways.
• Clean Up Spills Immediately: Food and drinks are part of most holiday celebrations, so spills can happen. Clean them up immediately to prevent slippery surfaces, especially in tile or hardwood flooring areas.
• Provide Adequate Lighting: Well-lit spaces help seniors navigate safely. Add extra lights, especially in dim areas like hallways, staircases, or outdoor walkways. Motion-activated lights can be a great addition for added convenience.
• Keep Stairs and Railings Clear: Ensure staircases are free of decorations or clutter that could pose a tripping risk. Check that railings are sturdy and easy to grip.
• Check for Uneven Surfaces: Inspect areas like door thresholds or outdoor steps for uneven surfaces that might trip someone up. Consider using temporary ramps or leveling mats to smooth out problem areas.
• Encourage Proper Footwear: Slippery socks or smooth-soled shoes can increase the risk of falls. Suggest wearing shoes with good grip or slippers with non-slip soles when moving around the house.

Fire Safety for Lights and Candles

Holiday lights and candles add warmth and charm to any home but can also pose fire risks if not used carefully. A little attention to safety can go a long way in ensuring your holiday decorations remain beautiful and safe. 

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Inspect Light Strings before Use: Before hanging holiday lights, carefully check each strand for frayed wires, broken or missing bulbs, or exposed connections. Damaged lights should be replaced to prevent potential electrical hazards.
• Use the Right Lights for the Job: Ensure you’re using indoor lights for indoor areas and outdoor-rated lights for exterior decorations. Outdoor lights are designed to handle weather conditions, while indoor lights may not be.
• Avoid Overloading Electrical Outlets: Plugging too many decorations into a single outlet or power strip can cause overheating. Spread the load across multiple outlets and use surge protectors to reduce fire risks.
• Opt for Battery-Operated Candles: Real candles bring a cozy glow, but battery-operated versions are much safer, especially in homes with seniors, kids, or pets. Modern LED candles mimic the flicker of a real flame without the danger of an open fire.
• Position Real Candles Safely: If you use real candles, place them on sturdy, heat-resistant surfaces and keep them far away from flammable items like curtains, tablecloths, or holiday greenery. Never leave a candle unattended or burning overnight.
• Fireplace Precautions: If you’re enjoying a fireplace, keep decorations like stockings, garlands, and wreaths safe from open flames. Use a protective screen to catch sparks and prevent embers from escaping.
• Turn Off Lights When Not in Use: Always unplug holiday lights before heading to bed or leaving the house. This prevents electrical malfunctions while saving energy. Consider using timers to automatically turn lights on and off during specific hours.
• Don’t Run Cords under Rugs: While it might be tempting to hide extension cords under rugs, this can lead to overheating and increase the fire risk. Instead, keep cords visible and secured along walls.
• Be Cautious with Live Trees: If you’re using a live Christmas tree, ensure it’s well-watered to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Keep the tree at least three feet away from heat sources like heaters, radiators, or fireplaces.
• Have a Fire Extinguisher Nearby: It’s always good to be prepared. Keep a fire extinguisher in a handy location, especially near areas with candles or lights. Make sure everyone in the household knows how to use it.

Making Holiday Gatherings Comfortable

Family gatherings are one of the best parts of the holidays, but can also be overwhelming. 

Ensure seniors have a comfortable place to sit that’s easy to access without navigating through a crowded room. Encourage breaks if things get busy, and keep the noise level manageable to prevent fatigue.

If guests are coming to visit, ensure there’s plenty of space for them to move around safely. Pushing furniture against the walls can help create open pathways, making the home easier for everyone to navigate.

Travel Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday

Traveling during the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful. 

If your loved one is traveling by car, pack essentials like snacks, water, and medications in an easily accessible bag. For plane travel, request accommodations like wheelchair assistance or extra time for boarding to make the process smoother.

If they’re staying with family, ask about any adjustments to make the home senior-friendly. Something as simple as adding nightlights in hallways or a grab bar in the bathroom can make a big difference.

Keeping the Holidays Clutter-Free

The holidays bring extra decorations, gifts, and guests, which can lead to clutter. Too much can make it harder to move around safely. Take a little time daily to tidy up and keep frequently used spaces like the kitchen, living room, and hallways clear.

Gift wrapping supplies, boxes, and even extra coats can quickly pile up, so designate a spot for these items to avoid them becoming obstacles. A clutter-free home not only looks great but also helps everyone move around with ease.

Keep the Holidays Bright and Safe with Our Support!

The holiday season is meant to be filled with joy, not worry. 

At Always Best Care of Milwaukee, we help you create a safe and welcoming environment for your loved ones. Whether assisting with holiday preparations, providing companionship, or ensuring safety at home, our dedicated team is ready to make this season special for your family. 

Contact Always Best Care of Milwaukee at (262) 439-8616 to learn more and schedule your free consultation.